admin 2025 has been a wild ride for the entire e-bike industry. We’ve seen new products from Brompton, Specialized, Engwe, Quella and others, with each new release pushing the boundaries of what was previously available on an e-bike. As a result, we’re seeing more (and better) e-bikes on the road than ever before.
It wasn’t just about ever-improving performance; e-bikes are now filled with smart connectivity, creating intelligent rides. One of my most beloved features in 2025 was the proliferation and democratization of GPS anti-theft systems that we’ve previously seen on the likes of the Cowboy 4, which help protect our precious e-bikes from thieves.
All this e-bike activity got me thinking about the best e-bikes I reviewed in 2025, so I’ve shared my top picks below. You may not agree with my list, and that’s okay! Use the comments section below to let us know what your favorites have been. And if you’re looking to make an e-bike investment, check out our comprehensive guide to the best electric bikes.
1. Specialized Vado SL2 carbon
Buy it if:
✅ You want premium quality: Thanks to high-quality technology, this e-bike is built to last a long time.
✅ You like a quiet ride: Some e-bikes are annoyingly noisy, but not this one.
✅ You want power: With a 320W motor and excellent power delivery, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have a limited budget: This e-bike is expensive and will therefore not be suitable for everyone.
❌ You want a removable battery: Unfortunately, the battery is not removable, which is far from ideal for charging.
The e-bike that I said was possibly ‘the best e-bike of all time’ takes center stage in my 2025 round-up. Having had the privilege of riding it around for the better part of a month, I can safely say that it offered the best performance and comfort of any e-bike I’ve ever used.
At the heart of the Vado SL2 Carbon is a 320-watt motor that delivers excellent power, making riding on all types of flats and slopes an absolute breeze. It’s also breathtakingly smooth and pleasantly quiet, two things that aren’t guaranteed when it comes to e-bikes.
Every part of the frame and associated components is made from high-quality materials, making this an e-bike that is sure to last. However, that doesn’t mean it’s frustratingly tough. Thanks to a seriously lightweight carbon frame, I had no problems lifting it with just one hand.
Both of the e-bike’s weaknesses are related to the battery. The first is that it’s not removable, meaning you’ll need a way to charge it near where you store it. The second is that the battery range is about 56 km. While that’s fine if you want to charge it every day or two, it’s not great if you want to go on a particularly long ride.
This is a premium e-bike with a high price tag. It won’t be for everyone, but if money is no object and you don’t need a foldable device, the Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon would be my absolute top pick.
Read our full Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon review
| Element | Specialized Vado SL 2 Carbon |
|---|---|
| Engine: | Specialized 1.2 SL system |
| Top speed: | 25.5 mph / 25 km/h (UK) |
| Current: | Specialized SL2-520, fully integrated, 520 Wh |
| Control: | LCD screen |
| E-bike classification: | Class 3 |
| Speeds: | Shimano 12 gears |
| Brakes: | Hydraulic disc brakes |
| Frame material: | Carbon |
| Weight: | 17.9kg |
| Range: | 5 hours drive |
2. ENGWE N1 Air
Buy it if:
✅ You need a reliable daily commuter: Slim tires and a powerful motor make this e-bike perfect for everyday use.
✅ You want a lightweight frame: The 15.6kg carbon frame is one of the lightest on the market.
✅ You like security features: GPRS tracking and automatic SOS emergency notifications help keep the e-bike safe.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a folding e-bike: It’s light, but you couldn’t fold it up and put it in your car.
❌ You want the best: This e-bike is just as premium as for ENGWE, but Specialized and Brompton are still superior.
The N1 Air marked an important departure for the popular e-bike brand ENGWE. Not only have they jettisoned the bulky frame they’re known for, but there’s not a fat tire in sight. The result is that we are left with a beautifully refined design that is perfect for commuters.
The e-bike is equipped with a 36V 10Ah high power Samsung battery, which according to ENGWE lasts up to 100 km. During testing, I found that a more accurate real-world range was closer to 55 km. This is virtually identical to the Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon. Where the battery differs in a good way is that it is 100% removable. That means you can charge it wherever you want, which is a big win for convenience.
In terms of design and materials, the frame is made of carbon, making it one of the lightest e-bikes of this size. A comparable e-bike would be the Tenways CG600 Pro. I wasn’t a big fan of the underperforming disc brakes, but this is just a minor compromise.
The N1 Air can be considered a budget-friendly alternative to the Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon. I used it as a commuter bike for several months and have very fond memories of my time with it.
Read our full ENGWE N1 Air Review
3. Quella Imperial electric courier bike
Buy it if:
✅ You like a push bike aesthetic: With a built-in rear hub motor/battery you would not immediately know that it is an e-bike.
✅ You want smooth power delivery: The engine could be a little more powerful, but the power it delivers is as smooth as can be.
✅ You like e-bike efficiency: With regenerative braking you get the most out of your pedaling effort.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You plan super long rides: With a range of only 60 km, you don’t want to be too far away from a socket.
❌ You like the convenience of a removable battery: Thanks to the built-in battery, you can charge the e-bike in the same place where you store it.
One of the highlights of my year was riding the Quella Imperial Electric Courier bike. Not only did it look absolutely fantastic, but it also provided one of the smoothest power deliveries I’ve ever felt on an electric bike.
The design is so sleek and minimalist that most people would think it was just a traditional push bike. The bullhorn handlebar is also rarely seen on e-bikes, which adds another stylish touch. The only drawbacks to the design are the rear hub, which limits the e-bike’s power, and the non-removable battery, which affects the ease of charging, like the Specialized.
The Quella Imperial Electric Courier includes a number of innovative features that set it apart from the competition. One of my favorites is the regenerative braking function that charges the battery every time you brake. There’s also a Kinetic Energy Recovery System that charges the battery as you pedal backwards.
In my review I said, “If I were buying an e-bike right now, with no budget constraints, I’d go for the Imperial any day of the week.” As we reach the end of 2025, I stand by that statement.
Read our full Quella Imperial electric courier bike review
Specifications compared
| Element | Specialized Vado SL 2 Carbon | ENGWE N1 Air | Quella Imperial electric courier bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | Specialized 1.2 SL system | 250 W motor with rotor | Zehus Gen 2 all-in-one rear hub motor |
| Top speed: | 25.5 mph / 25 km/h (UK) | 25.5 mph / 25 km/h (UK) | 25.5 mph / 25 km/h (UK) |
| Current: | Specialized SL2-520, fully integrated, 520 Wh | 360Wh 10Ah high capacity battery | 155 Wh (watt-hour) battery unit. |
| Control: | LCD screen | LCD screen | Phone app |
| E-bike classification: | Class 3 | Class 3 | Electric bicycle |
| Speeds: | Shimano 12 gears | Shimano 7 gears | Single speed |
| Brakes: | Hydraulic disc brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes | Double pivot radius brake calipers |
| Frame material: | Carbon | Carbon | 4130 chromoly steel, with track geometry |
| Weight: | 17.9kg | 15.6kg (34lbs) | 15.2kg / 33.5lbs |
| Range: | 35 miles / 56 km | 62 miles / 100 km | 37 miles / 60 km |
